Letters | Hong Kong protesters are clearly not ready for the freedoms they demand

Those who do not cherish the freedoms they possess, and instead abuse them, will ultimately lose them all through their greed and arrogance. If Hongkongers want democracy or independence, they have to show the world they are mature and capable of handling it. Democracy has to be earned.

The old colonial system has to change because it’s not working. The Legislative Council is dysfunctional. None of the lawmakers know what their duties are. People’s basic needs and voices are not heard or discussed enough to satisfy them. There is too much bickering and politicking.

There should be some censorship and monitoring on social media. Those who spread malicious material or lies should be held accountable for them.

The government should nip violence in the bud with all the means at its disposal. The emergency powers ordinance should be invoked for this purpose. When the public know you mean business, they will toe the line.

Unrestricted freedom of the press is damaging Hong Kong society and its economy. At a press conference last month, a reporter shouted at Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, “Mrs Lam, many residents are asking when you will die!” How would such a comment contribute to a useful discussion with the chief executive? In a civilised society, that reporter would be banned from future press conferences and sacked from his job.